Edward H. Fickett Brentwood 1955 Atomic Ranch Listed

As most of you know, I am an avid fan of the work of Edward H. Fickett, F.A.I.A.  I am on the constant hunt to find them.  As many homes listed in the MLS do not indicate the master's imprint, I try to do my best to point out Fickett homes that come onto market that should be recognized.  Today was no exception as I came upon his 1955 Atomic Ranch located in a beautiful area of Brentwood, just north of San Vicente.  In 1954, Fickett designed 22 homes on Allenford for a developer, which were completed in 1955.  1372 Allenford Avenue is one of the designs he contributed to the area.  The 3 bedroom and 2 bathroom home is being listed for $1,795,000, which is a steal! 

As you walk in the entry, hidden behind slatted paneled wall are pop-open closets.  This is one of those features I love about the work of this architect.  He was always clever and had many tricks up his sleeve when contemplating his work.  Fickett's work always makes me smile.  His designs make sense to me.  I can always see his point-of-view clearly and often times his sense of humor.  Hands down, this home provides sleek, sophisticated sex appeal through its use of glass, block and redwood along with elements including shadow boxes, sky lights, indoor/outdoor flow, patios, gardens, low-slung roof line, post and beam, open living areas and walls of glass.  

As you move inward, you are exposed to the living area which has an open floor plan.  The family room is to your right (currently being staged as formal dining room).  Living room and outdoor patio to your left.  The kitchen and dining room with patio area, take advantage of the southern exposure with lots of glass.  The sleeping quarters are found to the north of the layout.

What is a major feature of this home is the beautiful fireplace dividing the open space. There are actually two fireplaces, one in the living room and one in the family room.  Fickett certainly created a focal point as well as grounding the post and beam to the earth. He uses masonry work throughout the home providing atomic form and function.  The patterns and textures he creates are also on display. 

There are many elements still intact, but a remodel has recently occurred.  I would suspect the entry flooring has been changed, along with bathroom remodels.  The kitchen has been redone as well.  Unfortunately, the kitchen is not done well, considering the period of the house. On an aside, I also question the stone which covers the planter on the side of the fireplace, something easily remedied.  I would have liked to have seen the original bathrooms.  I am positive Fickett would have used his passion for color with custom tiles.

In the office, the masonry is back again being showcased.  Fickett uses the block wall separating the living room and the office space to extend outdoors, creating a private patio and garden area.  The home rests on 11,538 square feet of land.  The interior includes a comfortable 1,955 square feet.  1372 Allenford Avenue, Brentwood should not be missed.  If you are not working with an agent, please call me to set up an appointment to see this fine example of Fickett's work. 

The sleeping quarters include 3 spacious bedrooms with a master bath and second bath, both remodeled.  With walls of glass, clerestory windows, sliding doors and gardens outdoors, the design of the home is not only practical, but livable.  You are constantly reminded of nature through the glass and outdoor landscape. 

Located in the Canyon Elementary School District.

Listing and photos courtesy MLS & Isabelle Mizrahi - Pru PP

Eugene Weston, III, Residence, 1954 - In Escrow and Over List Price

 Updated 8/21/2013:  Home sells for $1,025,000.

Eugene Weston, III Residence, 1954

Reliable sources tell me that if you blinked, you missed the post and beam designed residence of Eugene Weston, III, AIA, built in 1954, as it has moved into an all-cash escrow for $1,000,000+.  660 Westbridge Place, Pasadena, listed for $899,000 in this market, surely was an understatement.  I had the opportunity to visit the home during its open house and fell in love.  Photos were taken with my iPhone.  (Pardon the darkness and quality.)  Weston started his residential project in 1953 with the completion in 1954.  He lived in the home until 1959, prior to his time spent down in San Diego. 

In 1956 The Los Angeles Times quoted Weston in saying, "Even a modest house could be 'more beautiful and meaningful' if it was built with post-and-beam construction that opens up interiors and invites the outdoors in through walls of glass."

Situated off the Arroyo Secco, this secluded cul-de-sac street provides a modernist dream for any mid-century modern fanatic.  Within it's 1,608 square foot interior, you find the home deceivingly spacious as there are gardens found off of the living area, master bedroom and the back of the house predominantly with floor-to-ceiling glass to invite the outdoors.  This simple post and beam has style and sophistication.  The wall cut-outs and peek-a-boo openings, add an architectural flare throughout the home.

There are many architectural details such as wall cut-outs and peek-a-boo notches that allow the flow to be contiguous. The bathrooms and kitchen have decent upgrades.  The linoleum flooring has been removed, while the concrete slab is polished for a modern feeling.  The flow in the home is spectacular as the open plan works its way into the outdoors with private garden and lovely pool and spa in the back.

The sleeping quarters are off of the entryway and contain 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, along with a cool office / den space off of the kitchen area.

The master bedroom and bathroom provide a light-filled atmospheres as sunlight cascades through the clerestory windows and sliding glass doors.  Outside of the master bedroom is a patio area that leads to the pool and spa.

The home needs a little attention as the wood beams and roof could use some care and restoration.  The original sliders are in fine working condition and move seamlessly light across the tracks.  The pool and spa may also need some attention and resurfacing.  Throughout the home there are signs of wear and tear, but with a little love, this architectural design could be brought into the the new century. 

The house sits on a sizable 7,908 square foot lot.  There is conversation of this home qualifying for the Mills Act where upon a homeowner can save up to 60-70% in property taxes.  In order to apply for the Mills Act, this home will require some love and attention to receive a Landmark status prior to any Mills application consideration, but it's there and waiting for the new owner to embrace.

biography

Eugene Weston III, AIA (1924-2012)
Education:  The Design Center, Pasadena

Eugene “Gene ” Weston III, (the son of a Los Angeles architect who had worked for Bertram Goodhue in 1923 and nephew to Joseph Weston also an architect) was born in Hollywood in 1924. After WWII, Weston studied Industrial Design at the Art Center in Pasadena. Following graduation, Weston worked for his father's architectural firm and later for Alvin Lustig, where he prepared residential working drawings for a building contractor client.  Following his employment with Lustig, Weston worked alongside Douglas Byles for Smith and Williams Architects.

Byles and Weston - Tujunga Tract, 1959

Weston and Byles left Smith and Williams together and formed the partnership Byles and Weston, a design-build firm. Both became General Contractors and built a number of houses in and around the Pasadena area, as well as Tujunga.

Byles and Weston - Tujunga Tract, 1959

In 1956, Weston and his family moved to La Jolla where Weston continued his design-build career. When the San Diego real estate market slowed down, he approached Fred Liebhardt, FAIA, for a job.

In 1960, Weston became a partner at Liebhardt and Weston. The architecture firm changed its name several times over the years. Between 1950 and 1960, the firm was solely owned and run by Frederick Liebhardt. From 1960 to 1965, the firm was Liebhardt and Weston, which was changed to Liebhardt Weston and Associates in 1965.

Eugene "Gene" Weston, III, AIA 1924-2012

In 1961, Weston obtained his architectural license and Liebhardt received his shortly thereafter. Don Goldman, a noted designer in his own right, became a partner in Liebhardt, Weston and Goldman in 1967. When Goldman left the firm, the partnership changed back to Liebhardt Weston and Associates (1976-1990).

partnerships

• Byles and Weston
• Liebhardt and Weston
• Liebhardt, Weston and Associates
• Liebhardt, Weston and Goldman

Additional photos and listing courtesy of the MLS and  Fernando Cuellar, KW.

Edward H. Fickett "Satnick Residence, No. 4": An Architectural Perspective

"Satnick Residence, No. 4", Edward H. Fickett, FAIA, 1972

A week ago, modernhomeslosangeles tweeted about the 1972 "Satnick Residence, No.4", masterpiece designed by masterful Edward H. Fickett, FAIA, which came onto market.  This home would be the fourth and last Los Angeles home designed by Fickett for Dr. Soll Satnick and wife Clare.  As early as 1945, the Satnick's had employed Fickett as their architect and through their lifetime, they would build four homes together. 

This past week, I went through the 4 bedroom and 2.5 bathroom home and shot some photos of the gorgeous listing located at 784 San Lorenzo Street, Santa Monica Canyon, 90404.  My objective was to take a closer look at the architectural attributes of the home and its design.  I never like shooting in Winter light, so pardon the flares and low light.   

Always on the hunt for "Fickett Fences" and I spotted a slatted side gate done with metal.  It is one of his signatures to have slatted shadow boxes, gates or shade screens.  As time went on, Fickett would be known to use steel as his resource for creating the slatted effect. Let's take a closer look...

Upon driving up to the home, you will notice the clerestory windows that cap the roof and allow beautiful natural light to spill into the large vaulted interior ceilings. 

You are greeted at the front entrance with two water features and explosive mid-century modern architectural elements.  The amount of timber that went into this home is incredible with support beams massive in scale.  This 5,257 square foot post and beam is of a great scale in all ways imaginable including its 15,000+ square foot lot two doors west of the Riviera Country Club's golf course.   

The inlaid wood treatment with the concrete pads combine the wonderful elements of hard and soft resources, making the home seamless with nature.  The private bench adjoins a stream-like water-feature that leads to a front private patio outside the front bedrooms.

There is a second water-feature, this time, very sen-like below the screening room windows.

I really enjoy studying Fickett's lighting design, something he enjoyed doing.

 Hold your breath because we are about to go inside...

Fickett knew, "A doctor could always pay the bills."  "No. 4" reaches architectural alchemy with tremendous thought given to the design of the Satnick's home.  Many elements and features of a "Fickett Home" are present in this modern, light-filled home.  So many architectural details go into the making of this Fickett signature design including, landscaping, resources, engineering, lighting design, tile design, interior design, and even a basketball hoop in the foyer!  

Here is a better presentation of his lighting designed for the home.  Upon stepping inside, you feel and see the effect of the upper clerestory windows, as well as the enormity of the design.  The entrance foyer with enough wall space for any art collector to showcase work, also has a basketball hoop.  The entry hall separates the sleeping quarters.  Kids in the front and parents in the back.  There is also a powder room off the entrance hall. 

The pocket door to the media room softly moves into the wall next to the built-in corner shelving in the lounge area.

The media room provides comfortable lighting through the peek-a-boo windows, sliders and clerestory window.

The lounge has a double-sided fireplace, wet-bar and skylight.  The next few photos express the architect's design methods of this post and beam modern with 15 foot ceilings.

Fickett's play on angles and shapes is always a soothing experience.  He finds the right balance with his work.  There is a symmetrical quality to his design; always grounded.  His play of the roof line creates a wonderful interior display of light and texture. 

The beams crossing the bar area create more light-play with shadowing effects.  He even places a window of the reverse of the entryway to allow light to spill through.

The ceiling above the entrance is yet another example of the engineering that went into this design.

Cut-outs in the wall between lounge and living area repeat the vertical and horizontal lines of the home's design.

The open and spacious living room, dining area, kitchen and master bedroom spill onto the landscaped backyard with tropical landscaping, fire pit, pool and waterfall. 

"Fickett Red" is spotted in the kitchen with tile accents and center island showcasing one of Fickett's favorite colors.  Eli Broad commented to Fickett's widow, Joycie, that his use of the red-painted steel accents at the Broad Contemporary Museum at LACMA was an homage to Fickett's once-red bridge-crossing at his design for Rapport, the furniture store on N. La Brea Ave. 

The large wood-framed pass-through window from the kitchen to the outdoor eating area glides to perfection.  Such a peaceful and tranquil environment to be enjoyed.

Back to the front hallway and the sleeping quarters...  The master suite is absolutely dreamy, including bedroom, bathroom, gym, dressing area and plenty of closets. 

Wow!  Beautiful tile with bamboo motif, designed by Fickett.

Here are details of the concaved tile and the diagonal pattern Fickett chose.

The private gym off the bath makes your 20 minutes a day easy! 

The dressing area which leads to the master bedroom area of this suite.  Who doesn't need a tri-fold mirror to assist?  Natural light spills into the dressing area with the advent of the skylight above. 

The resort-like master bedroom leads directly outdoors through hung wood-framed sliders, skylight and corner window full of natural light.

Back out in the entry hall is access to the office or "Crow's Nest".  Again, you cannot help note the architectural enormity of this home.

Utility storage room area lead to doors to outside and garage, as well as the stairs up to the office area.

As you approach the office, you are able to study the structure with an up-close-and-personal look at the engineering of the ceiling beams.  The natural light infused through the beaded glass also provides privacy.  I love the triangle clerestory window Fickett chose to place in the upper corner.

The interior is spectacular, but the backyard landscaping Fickett designed is an oasis of tropical proportion.  When Fickett had the opportunity to landscape his designs, he would use his resources from his nursery kept in Covina.  He has an eye for every aspect of design and always appreciated using his master's degree in landscape architecture.  The "Satnick Residence, No. 4" is a great example of the lush gardens and hideaways Fickett would provide. 

Fickett enjoyed taking advantage of the climate here in Los Angeles, while creating beautiful artwork with his landscape designs.  The pool with cascading waterfall and spa invite the soul to quench its thirst.

The below photos feature Fickett's pocketing of the hung wood-framed sliding doors.  They would stack together to meet only one panel of stationary glass and allow as much outdoor environment to flow inside.

The hidden garden with mature bamboo and fire pit are a sanctuary of peace and warmth on chilly Santa Monica Canyon evenings. 

The mature bamboo surrounds the cement bench that wraps around the fire pit, while you can see the flames from the dining area. 

This beautiful design is sure to land in good hands.  With impeccable design details, it will attract those who understand and appreciate architecture, but to anyone with good sense!

After Dr. Satnick passed in 1982, his wife Clare eventually sold the home in 1999 for $1,550,000.  The second owner then sold the home in 2008 the the current owner for $4,200,000.  Cynthia Anbuehl of Partner's Trust had a very busy Caravan for the $5,495,000 listing, which is now pending. 

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To learn more about Edward H. Fickett, FAIA homes for sale, contact modernhomeslosangeles.